Name of the Procedure:

Morphometric Analysis, In Situ Hybridization (Quantitative or Semi-Quantitative), Manual, Per Specimen; Initial Single Probe Stain

Summary

Morphometric analysis through in situ hybridization is a laboratory technique used to detect and measure specific nucleic acid sequences in tissue samples. This method provides visual representation and quantification of gene expression or genetic material in individual cells.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the need to identify and quantify specific DNA or RNA sequences within tissue samples. It helps in diagnosing genetic disorders, infections, and cancers, and aids in understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases. The goal is to provide precise localization and quantification of target sequences in tissues, guiding diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Indications

• Unexplained tissue abnormalities.
• Suspected genetic disorders or mutations.
• Detection and localization of viral infections.
• Cancer diagnosis and characterization.
• Research studies analyzing gene expression.

Preparation

• No special preparations such as fasting are generally needed.
• Patients may need to undergo a biopsy to obtain the tissue specimen.
• Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.

Procedure Description

1. Collection of tissue sample via biopsy.
2. Tissue preparation and sectioning onto microscope slides.
3. Application of a specific probe that binds to the target DNA or RNA sequence.
4. Use of staining techniques to visualize the probe hybridization.
5. Quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis using a microscope and manual counting methods.

Tools and Technology:

• Microscope slides.
• Specific nucleic acid probes.
• Staining reagents.
• Light microscope for visualization.

No anesthesia or sedation is required for the in situ hybridization analysis itself, although the biopsy procedure may require local anesthesia.

Duration

The analysis and staining process typically takes several hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the sample and the technology used.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a specialized pathology or research laboratory.

Personnel

• Pathologist
• Laboratory technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection or bleeding from the biopsy site (rare).
• False negatives or positives due to technical issues with staining.

Benefits

• Precise localization and quantification of genetic material.
• Assists in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
• Provides detailed insights into the molecular aspects of diseases.

Recovery

• No recovery needed from the analysis itself.
• Minimal recovery time if a biopsy was performed, with care instructions specific to the biopsy site.

Alternatives

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for nucleic acid detection.
• Immunohistochemistry for protein detection.
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for specific applications.

Pros and Cons:

• PCR is more sensitive but provides less spatial information.
• Immunohistochemistry is useful for protein detection but not for nucleic acids.
• FISH provides fluorescence-based detection, which may offer more detailed visualization but can be more complex and expensive.

Patient Experience

The in situ hybridization analysis is done on the tissue collected, so the patient will not experience anything related to this lab process. If a biopsy was done, there might be some localized pain or discomfort, manageable with prescribed pain medications and following care instructions for the biopsy site.